The last year has been very difficult for Disney fans since many have not yet been able to get back to visit their happy place. I have been focusing on how to experience the Disney magic at home to help me get through my Disney withdrawal. For those of us that were used to visiting on a regular basis, we are really feeling the need for some Disney magic at home.
Here are some ideas below on how you can keep the Disney magic alive at home while you wait for your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Virtual Rides
There are “Point of View” videos on YouTube of every single ride at Disney World, so you can easily take a “ride” on them at home. If you have access to YouTube on your big screen TV, then you have a better opportunity to make it feel like a ride. Pull a chair right up to your screen, turn it on, and just imagine that you are there.
Learn to Become an Imagineer
A free online imagineering course has been created from someone in Imagineering, and can be accessed through the Khan Academy. Imagineering in a Box is a series of interactive lessons that will teach you how to dream up and design your very own theme park. It is for all ages and teaches the science, technology and creativity that goes behind designing attractions. It sure does sound like a great way to spend time while at home and the best part is it is FREE!
Master How to Draw Your Favourite Character
If you feel like getting creative, now is a great time to practice your drawing skills. Disney has got you covered as they released a series of tutorials for a variety of Disney characters. You can see an example of one of the tutorials below, but if you click on the link, you will see options for many other characters.
Disney+
I think Disney+ really could not of come at a better time! We now have access to so many great movies and series from the Disney collection at our disposal in our very own home. Take the time to sit and enjoy some of your favourite classics with your family, or perhaps watch a movie you have not had a chance to see yet. From Disney classics, to Star Wars, to Marvel, to original releases – the choices are endless.
If you have not yet seen the documentary The Imagineering Story, I highly recommend it for any fans of the parks. It really gives you a great insight into what it took to get Disney to where it is today.
Also, the access you get to some of the new Marvel content coming out is incredible! If you have not seen WandaVision or The Falcon and Winter Soldier – what are you waiting for?!
Try Some Disney Recipes at Home
If you are missing some of your favourite snacks from the parks, why not try and make them at home? A lot more people have been taking this opportunity to use the extra spare time to cook and/or bake things they may have not previously tried at home. And it doesn’t have to be complicated, there are some really simple ones, such as:
- Gaston’s Tavern Cinnamon Rolls
- Mickey Waffles
- Tonga Toast
- Mickey Mouse Rice Krispies Treats
- Jack’s Num Num Cookies
- Epcot’s Avocado Margarita
- Cheshire Cat Tails
Watch Fireworks At Home
The Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom are one of my favourite nighttime shows at Disney. The whole show combined with the music always leaves me feeling great. I often will watch it at home to relive the memories of all the times I saw it live, it brings me back to that happy place. There are many options on YouTube to view it. Put it on your big screen TV, crank up the sound and enjoy:
Plan a Disney Day at Home
Why not have a fun day and pretend to create your own little Disney day at home? Get dressed for a day at the parks and put on those Mickey Ears! You can start by checking in to the WDW Channel to get that same boost you do when you turn on your TV at the Disney resorts.
If you have a little toy castle at home, take some fun family pictures in front of it and post it to your social media, just like you would if you were at Magic Kingdom. Take in some of the rides and shows on YouTube, and maybe indulge in some of those Disney recipes you’ve been cooking up.
Even though it isn’t quite the same as being at the parks, it will help keep you occupied and immersed in the Disney magic.
Disney Crosswords
If you like to play games to test your Disney knowledge, why not do some Disney crossword puzzles. A great way to spend some alone time, or with family! You can find a variety of Disney themed crossword puzzles at ProProfs.
Plan a Future Disney Trip
One of the best ways to keep the Disney magic alive is to focus on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Start planning your next trip so that you have something to look forward to once you are ready to travel again. Disney has very flexible policies, so there is no risk in planning now and then maybe having to change those plans later.
I find it is always better to plan in advance and then if something changes as you get closer to your dates, you can easily change your dates with no penalties. And very important – make sure to book through a specialized Disney travel agent such as Click the Mouse. They have been instrumental in helping clients navigate the changes they have been having to make in the last year. Booking with a travel agent means that you will never have to spend countless hours on the phone, they will take care of that for you.
I’ve read so many horror stories from last year of guests that had so much trouble because they booked through a 3rd party website or rented DVC points and were now out thousands of dollars. You can avoid all of those risks by going through a travel agent that works for an authorized Disney agency, such as Click the Mouse.
Our preferred travel agency is Click the Mouse. They specialize in Disney destinations and will help you plan out all the little details. Best part is that their services are FREE when you book your vacation with them. Personalized service at no extra cost to you! To get a quote from a Click the Mouse travel agent, simply click on the quote button below and they will be back in touch with you:
Get a Quote from CLICK THE MOUSELaura is a mom of one adorable girl with a love of all things Disney. She traveled to Disney World with her family in 2010 and was hooked. They have since been a total of over 15 times. With all her knowledge of planning Disney trips, she now wants to share that with others. She loves giving guidance, tips and advice to others planning their magical vacation!